Frank Seitz

I can undoubtedly say that I’ve learned more from my patients than I have from my professors. ”

Frank Seitz was Bozeman’s first clinical psychologist when he went into private practice in the community in the late 1960s. His clinical and forensic psychology practice went on to run for over 35 years until 2005. During this time he was heavily involved at Montana State University as an educator who worked with the WWAMI Medical Education Program from its inception, and a psychologist with student health services. “[I] loved the students,” he said. “They made up for the administrative politics.” Seitz also helped to start a county mental health program, the first in Gallatin Valley. “I’m really pleased with how people in the city and county responded [to it].” He said that he has seen lots of progress in the decades since he started his work, but “wish[es] there would have been more. “The stigma of mental issues has lasted way too long,” he said. “Old stereotypes die slowly.” He’s also been active in assisting the Warriors & Quiet Waters Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to help post-9/11 combat veterans find meaning and purpose through outdoor experiences and community, with their program development. Seitz has worked with veterans from the beginning of his career and feels adamant that it’s our duty to provide care for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental issues as a result of their service. “We have an absolute ironclad responsibility to take care of our soldiers who we send into war,” Seitz said. “War leaves scars in a merciless manner and in the mental health areas.” He proposed the idea to the group for them to include the families and spouses of the warriors. Seitz is thankful that he had the opportunity to work and build a life with his family in the Bozeman community where he could have “more one-on-one opportunities to impact people’s life” than in a metropolitan area. “You live and work with your neighbors,” he said. “If we were in a big city environment you’re forced to look more superficially at people. Growing up in a rural area you’re confronted with your actions more directly.” He also expressed gratitude to not only his family for teaching him so much over the years, but also his patients. “I can undoubtedly say that I’ve learned more from my patients than I have from my professors,” Seitz said. But equally important he said is knowing that he still has lots left to discover and understand still. “As I sit here talking to you I have a lot to learn.”